Data analysts are crucial for any company or organization’s planning, management, troubleshooting, and overall success.
The massive amount of data you can retrieve by a mere touch of your fingertips can be equally fascinating and overwhelming. While some of this data is simple and easily understandable, a large part is complex and mind-boggling. It is the role of a data analyst to analyze such datasets, study them, manipulate them, and present them plausibly and thoroughly.
Data analysts study a raw dataset to determine business patterns, market trends, and operational systems and visualize it in an explanatory form. They use this information to create market strategies, enhance a product manufacturing process, increase profits, create a more continual company-customer relationship, and effectively manage team operations.
The demand for data analysts in the market is very high. However, it is also one of the jobs where experience is preferred and valued due to the complex demands and expectations of the work position. So, getting a data analyst job as a fresher can be a challenging task. But it is doable and easily so if you have the right skill set and qualities.
This article discusses the factors that can increase your chances of landing a good data analyst job as a fresher and kickstart your career. Read on to know more about the same.
Table of Contents
Skills Required To Get A Data Analyst Job As A Fresher
The skill set requirement for a data analyst is extensive. It involves analytical, technical, mathematical, and expression skills, along with the knowledge of the industry you are involved in.
Below is a list of the threshold skill set requirements for a data analyst job.
Analytical Skills
A data analyst encounters complex raw datasets that must be simplified into serviceable information. Analytical skills are essential for this task. You must comprehend composite raw data of various natures, spot trends, and extract insights from them.
Data Visualization
A data analyst must be able to visualize a raw dataset as an explanatory and understandable piece of information. It is crucial to effectively communicate a given dataset among the team to obtain optimal benefits. This visualization is then used to create an output on platforms like Tableau, Power BI Course, and Python library.
Data Manipulation
Data exploitation and engineering are crucial skills required in a data analyst. It is how they convert complex data into a coherent and resourceful output. Knowledge of Python, SQL, and R is necessary for this.
Statistical Analysis
The knowledge of statistical theories and techniques is very helpful when interpreting a raw dataset. It aids in studying market trends and patterns and developing company strategies accordingly. Understanding regression analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothetical tests, and statistical software like SPSS, SAS, and Excel increases your chances of getting a data analyst job during the early phase of your career.
Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills like breaking down composite data into simpler and coherent information are necessary for a data analyst. Simplifying a set of data, processing it, and outlaying it for the team are among the primary roles of a data analyst.
Technical Skills
A degree or a professional certificate of prominent technical skill(s) can boost your chances of getting hired for a data analyst job as a fresher. You can learn one or more of the most extensively used programming languages like SQL, R, Python, C++, MATLAB, PHP, and others. A good understanding of Microsoft Excel is also beneficial.
Mathematical Skills
Analyzation and interpretation of data require mathematical skills. So a thorough knowledge of algebraic expressions, multivariable calculus, and other mathematical functions is often required in a data analyst.
Communication Skills
Analyzing and understanding any dataset is useless unless you interpret and present it so the other team members can understand and draw plausible information. For this, both verbal and written communication skills come into play. Having a better knowledge of your industry and being familiar with the other necessary data analyst skills makes this much easier.
Other Factors That Can Help You Get A Data Analyst Job As A Fresher
Apart from the skillset necessary to be a good data analyst, other factors also play a major role when you apply for a data analyst job. The following sections describe the same.
Your Educational Qualification
A bachelor’s degree is a minimal educational requirement for a data analyst job. If you have graduated from a data analysis program and have the necessary skills, your chances of getting hired are good. It gets even better if you have a Master’s degree. People from other disciplines, like mathematics, statistics, computer science, and economics, can also easily get the job of data analysts.
Along with your academic qualifications, you can opt for a professional certificate program for different skills like Python, C++, R, and others.
A Good Portfolio
Creating an impressive portfolio as a fresher is a challenging feat. However, if you showcase your skills on a personal project in your portfolio, you have a higher chance of getting noticed by potential employers.
You can look for a data analysis degree encompassing practical projects using varied datasets. Or, you can obtain free public datasets and design your projects to showcase them in your portfolio.
To obtain a good portfolio, you have to get hands-on practical experience in the nuances of a data analyst job. It gives you experience and hints at what you can expect from a data analyst job.
Conclusion
To land a data analyst job as a fresher may be challenging, but with the right skill set in your bag, it can be easier than it sounds. Focus on improving your qualities as a data analyst candidate. Gain some experience and polish your skills. Work on learning the programs and techniques that are required in this job.
Even as a fresher, getting a data analyst job would be relatively easier if you have the necessary qualifications, skills, and dedication to learn more.
